Book Descriptions

For the most part, I have attempted to follow the standard, industry recognized International Book Collectors Association (IBCA) terminology when describing books. I am not a professional book dealer. My object is to be as honest as my ability allows, though a few will no doubt take issue with some descriptions. For this reason, I have provided, or have offered to provide scans of any item requested. This way you can see the material before you commit to purchase.

Definition of Terms

1st ed	First Edition. The first publication of a title.
1st ed UK	First United Kingdom edition.
1st ed US	First United States edition. Usually, this refers to titles previously published in a language other than English. Occasionaly, titles first published in the U.K., Australia or Canada not concurrent with a U.S. edition are also so described.
1st ed tr	First Trade edition. Occasionaly, a title is first published privately, usually as a very small, narrowly distributed edition. A First Trade is the first edition published by a major house and distributed through normal channels to the general public.
1st pr	First Printing. Used in reference to first publications of new or reprinted editions, and to titles published as a paper bound originals or first paper bound editions.
4to	Quarto. See book sizes.
8vo	Octavo. See book sizes.
12mo	Duodecimo. See book sizes.
16mo	Sextodecimo. See book sizes.
32mo	See book sizes.
BC	Book club edition. Also known as facsimiles, these editions are reproductions of original books. One of the most recognizable in this category are books published by Book-of-the-Month-Club (BOMC).
Book sizes	Book manufacturing nomenclature is used to describe the size of a book. Books are typically described as follows:
	32mo. A book measuring approximately 4 to 5 inches in length.
	16mo (Sextodecimo). A book approx. 5 to 6 inches in length.
	12mo (Duodecimo). A slightly smaller than average sized book approx. 6 to 7 inches in length.
	8vo (Octavo). An average sized book approx. 7 to 10 inches in length. Books measuring at the extremes of this range are typically described as either "small 8vo," or "large 8vo."
	4to (Quarto). A slightly larger than average sized book approx. 10 to 12 inches in length.
	Folio. A book approx. 12 to 15 inches in length.
Browning	Discoloration of the pages. Normal aging of a book often creates a brown looking page. This process is most noticeable in older books with some degree of acid content in the paper. Yellowing refers to early stages of this process, quite typical in older (20+ years) paper bound volumes.
EP	Endpaper. The very first "pages" in a book, one side of which is pasted down to the inside of the cover, the other being "free;" the latter also referred to as the free endpaper (fep).
Ex-lib	Formerly a library copy. Book will show evidence of library circulation, such as stampings on page edges, end papers or preliminary papers, a circulation pocket inside front or rear cover, card catelog number on binding, etc.
FEP	Free endpaper. See EP.
Folio	See book sizes.
Foxing	Rusting of the pages. Paper in early books contain some iron. Over time, and especially in humid environments, the iron rusts leaving spots on the pages. Heavily foxed pages can be hardly readable. Foxing is usually more prevalent towards the end papers and title pages rather than to pages in the middle of a book.
PB	Paper back. Also commonly referred to as "mass-market paper backs," these are generally less expensive than the trade paperback editions. They are also usually somewhat smaller in size, approximately 4¼" x 7" on average, though some volumes are slightly larger.
QP	Trade paper back. Occasionally referred to as "quality paper backs," trade bound paper backs are generally of better quality than mass-market paperbacks. They are usually somewhat larger in size, approximately 5½" x 8½" on average, though some volumes are as large as 8½" x 11" and as small as 4½" x 7". Measurements are indicated for most volumes, particularly those that vary significantly from what is to be expected.
RM	Remainder mark. A mark indicating that the book did not sell at the published price. Leftover books are remaindered to wholesalers for discount sales. The mark is usually a stamp or a marker line across the bottom page edges.
SC	Slip case. A protective box that houses the book providing additional protection. Slip cases are usually found on more expensive books and those from specialty publishers.
Yellowing	See Browning.

Your questions and/or comments regarding this sale are welcome. Please send me an email. I would be happy to hear from you. Thanks. Ron Tamburello

			Estate Sale	Book Collection